All I know is this. I had a baby. Then I had another baby. Then I had a third baby, a boy. After my third baby, a boy, was born, I found myself back on the ranch with two young daughters and yet another suckling infant, and I was starving all the time. If I wasn’t eating Cinnamon Toast Crunch by the truckload, I was gnawing on a divine Mexican chicken casserole my BFF Hyacinth brought me or a box of Krispy Kreme doughuts my father-in-law picked up the city.

That was back in Krispy Kreme’s glory days.

It all helped my milk production. But still, I was starving.

And then, one dark and stormy night, my good friend Beth (a ranching neighbor of ours) and her mother Diane (also a longtime rancher) knocked on my door and brought me…dinner.

They brought me meatballs.

I won’t wax rhapsodic about how much these meatballs changed my life. They were so simple, so savory, so comforting and warm and delicious…I almost cried. Come to think of it, I think I did cry. I always thought it was my hormones regulating to normal levels. But maybe it was totally meatball-induced.

Here’s how you make the babies:

Start with 1 1/2 pounds ground beef. This is home grown, baby.

His name was Alfie.

Grab some oats.

And pour in 3/4 cup.

Pour in 1 cup of milk.

Now cut an onion in half from root to tip, then cut one of the halves in half again. Peel off the outer layer and make very thin vertical slices.

Rotate it 90 degrees, then make slices downward to create a thin dice.

Go over them with the knife several times to get them really fine, or your family will stage a mutiny. Big onion chunks are not welcome here.

Throw in 3 tablespoons onions into the meat mixture.

Followed by 1 1/2 teaspoons salt.

And plenty of black pepper. Yes, the black dust stuff. There’s a time and a place for fresh ground. But it isn’t here.

Now just stir the mixture until it’s all combined!

Now we just need to form the mixture into balls. I like using this small cookie dough scoop so they’re all uniform in size.

Just scoop the meat into your hand…

And roll it into a neat ball.

Place the meatballs on a cookie sheet as you go. When you’ve rolled all the meatballs, place the cookie sheet into the freezer for about five minutes, just to make them easier to work with.

If you have a six-year-old son, he can help you with the rolling. Look at this freaky photo! It looks like his arm is coming out of the side of his head, doesn’t it? I can’t quit staring at it.

Trivia: This is the “baby” referenced at the beginning of this post.

After five minutes, remove the meatballs and throw some flour onto a plate. Dredge the meatballs in flour.

And there you have it! Mexican Wedding Cookies.

Hope you enjoy!

Just kidding. We’re not through yet. And these aren’t Mexican Wedding Cookies. Just heat 3 tablespoons canola oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat and throw in 1/3 of the meatballs.

All we’re doing here is browning them quickly on both sides; We don’t want them to cook all the way.

When they’re brown, remove them to a baking dish and continue browning the rest of the meatballs.

Now just set them aside while you make the sauce. (Or, if you’re organized, you can whip out the sauce when the meatballs are chilling in the freezer.)

To a bowl, add 1 cup ketchup…

2 tablespoons sugar…

3 tablespoons white vinegar…

4 to 6 tablespoons chopped onion…

A couple splashes of Tabasco, if you’re feeling ornery.

And two tablespoons Worcestershire sauce. Mix it together well.

Now just pour the sauce evenly over the top of the meatballs.

Now just pop ‘em in a 350 degree oven for about 45 minutes.

You’ll know they’re done when your house smells so good you want to marry it. They should be sizzling around the edges. Mmmm.

Oh. I’m sorry. Did someone say “Mmmmm?”

Oh, wait. It was me.

These really are so delicious, folks. They’re almost like little “meatloaf balls”, with a lot more flavorful surface area than a big slice of meatloaf. And the sauce is just a classic sweet/sour ketchup concoction and it makes you think of Grandma. My kids love this dish, which is a miracle. And they’re delicious warmed up the next day and placed on a toasted sandwich bun with melted mozzarella on top. Yikes.

*Note that these meatballs are not in the same category of regular Italian meatballs that would go in Spaghetti and Meatballs—those have more of a breadcrumb/parsley/Parmesan flair. These are more in the comfort food/meatloaf category. If you’d like to serve them with pasta, regular egg noodles tossed in a tiny bit of melted butter would be divine.

Trish in MO On Thursday, March 26 at 9:02 am

And I just happen to have 1 1/2 of ground beef left over from making your fabulous Best Lasagna Ever recipe yesterday. It was truly the Best Ever. Hubby loved it. I’ll be trying these meatballs tomorrow. Thanks Ree!

Geneva Bear On Thursday, March 26 at 9:07 am

Hey! i love the pic of the oatmeal being poured into the bowl! that’s awesome (same with the salt!) AND the beautiful blue dish – sooo pretty. i love dishes, teasets, china….. it all adds beauty to life

Thanks for my dinner menu. I was just pondering what to do and the only thing I came up with was breakfast tacos. I think forcing my almost 7-year old to eat something new is just what I’ll be up for. No worry…she’ll fill up on the mashies.

Sheila On Thursday, March 26 at 9:11 am

Omg, omg, omg, omg, omg. THIS IS AMAZING. And oh so simple. I gave up meat for Lent, because I am insane. This will be my Easter Sunday breakfast I think.

Fantastic

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Ruth Ann in East Texas On Thursday, March 26 at 9:12 am

I have been kinda puny all week; saw this pic and my mouth started watering… I mean this IS COMFORT FOOD to the hilt. My hubby likes meatballs as in italian, and i don’t care for them fixed like that…this would be a happy medium! Looks so so so good; thanks for sharing this with us; i am going to the store after work and pick up what i need to do this!

118

Mary in TX On Thursday, March 26 at 9:14 am

To add to viola #101, here’s a great April Fool’s joke to play on your family, a la Bakerella’s cupcake pops:
put these meatballs on the stick, and top them with colored mashed potatoes!!
Tell the kids to eat their “dessert” first!

Mmmm! You read my mind! I was just thinking it would be fabulous if you posted a good “budget meal” now and then considering the financial times we’re in and this totally fits the bill. I love comfort food!! I may have to make this tonight!

Cary On Thursday, March 26 at 9:26 am

I am nursing my 3rd right now – also a boy – and am starving all the time! Thanks so much for the recipe, I think I will make them tonight…well…I will dream of making them tonight – with 3 kids 3.5 and under there isn’t a lot of time for cooking! Do you think your friend Beth delivers to MN?…=)

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Lauren On Thursday, March 26 at 9:27 am

That is definitely not your typical meatball!

134

Emmaline On Thursday, March 26 at 9:29 am

Yum! So much better than a meatloaf. I always wanted more surface area for the sauce.

135

Davese Galla-Rini On Thursday, March 26 at 9:30 am

YUM! Very similar to another Meatball Recipe
1 jar of grape jam
1 jar of chili sauce
mix- pour over meatballs heat and serve
YUMM!!

These look wonderful. I haven’t had breakfast yet, so they look that much more delish!

138

Brianne Hill On Thursday, March 26 at 9:34 am

Your baby looks so cute in that picture!

139

Polly On Thursday, March 26 at 9:35 am

I’m making these this weekend! My nephew is going to LOVE it. I’m thankful for your recipes, I can pretty much count on you when our meal plan seems to be wearing itself out. If the boy doesnt want mashed potatoes, I could always make twice baked potatoes….he LOVED those!

140

Kensey On Thursday, March 26 at 9:35 am

This is very similar to my meatloaf recipe except we add an egg and cheddar cheese!

Yum you are making me really hungry!

141

Cate On Thursday, March 26 at 9:40 am

I love the receipe & the Jadite….

142

Terri in Sunny Iowa On Thursday, March 26 at 9:40 am

Those look yummy! I will have to see how they work with vegetarian protein crumbles

Not that I don’t love meatballs, we do, but here we eat Swedish Meatballs, it’s all the Scandanavians you betcha, but I noticed yesterday on Twitter you were making hummus… tell me the hummus recipe will be up soon, please?

PeskyBlackFly On Thursday, March 26 at 9:44 am

Once upon a time, I was afraid of cooking. (one always fears what they don’t understand). Then I started reading your blog. I am not afraid anymore
Thank you- thank you- thank you!

147

Julie H. On Thursday, March 26 at 9:44 am

Oh, great. Now I have to make these next week and I already have my menu planned out AND I don’t have ground beef on hand AND…AND…AND…..okay, I’ll suck it up and go buy the darn ground beef. Thanks, Ree!

BTW, I use oatmeal in my meatloaf all the time and it’s a favorite!!

148

Emily F. On Thursday, March 26 at 9:45 am

oh man those look good. My husband would LOVE these. He definitely grew up in a comfort food, meat and potatoes kind of household!

I had meatballs in the freezer – my 12 year old is sitting in the living room at 9:45 Texas Time eating nuked meatballs with your sauce lukewarm because that was as long as he could stand to let it cook. The eight year old is standing over him going – GIVE ME SOME SAUCE NOW!

Sigh … thanks Ree, we just needed one more thing for the boys to fight over this week!!!

GREAT recipe btw!!!

150

Kelly On Thursday, March 26 at 9:46 am

So how would this go with Kay’s Potato and Corn Mash?

151

Victoria and Davis On Thursday, March 26 at 9:50 am

Mm, looks great! I have a really difficult time with meatballs (usually they fall apart on me) so I will give your recipe a go. I always make my meatballs with my Grandma’s sweet and sour sauce, which basically consists of equal parts Heinz chili sauce and red currant jelly.

152

Carol On Thursday, March 26 at 9:51 am

Tammi Law On Thursday, March 26 at 9:53 am

These look so good! And I just did my grocery shopping so I’ll have to dream about this until next week, bummer!! By the way I am new to your site and I think I’m in love! Were have you been all my life!!!

Jen Duffy On Thursday, March 26 at 9:59 am

Have you ever heard of meatballs made with grape jelly? We had some at Christmas and I have been trying to track down the recipe forever. They were so stinkin’ good….as long as you didn’t think about the fact that you were eating ground beef with grape jelly.

I love making these – about the only difference in my recipe is brown sugar instead of white. OK, so there are a few more differences, but that’s the biggest taste difference. I like to make them into meatballs, meat muffins, or meat loaf. My little girls eat an insane amount of these at a meal. Early this winter I tried doubling the recipe to have some for the freezer, but it didn’t work. My 13mo decided she loved them – and there wasn’t enough left to freeze!

#155 – I have the grape jelly recipe, DH’s aunt makes them. I can go dig it up!

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Lisaiz On Thursday, March 26 at 10:02 am

Yum! Unfortunately my girls are allergic to oats and milk, but other than that, they’d love them – LOL! I guess I have to wait until they’re off at summer camp and make meatballs for my son and DH, because those meatballs look like my kind of comfort food!!!

Michy On Thursday, March 26 at 10:22 am

Holy Meatballs I have to remind myself often not to look at your food posts’ I just had lipo and my PS would not be proud :(

183

Kerri On Thursday, March 26 at 10:32 am

We’re supposed to get a foot of snow today here in Colorado, and I truly couldn’t be happier about it. Except now I want to eat meatballs instead of the chili I had planned. I just drooled a small puddle on my desk….

184

caren On Thursday, March 26 at 10:35 am

My grandmother made meatballs like this all the time. Brings back memories. The sauce almosts sounds like hers too except she would use brown sugar. She always cooked with brown sugar. Okay now I know what I am having for dinner.

Now that is cooking baby – my DH adores meatloaf and is always suspect of meat balls (must be something in his childhood or previous marriage)I think he’d go for this and BTW – I’ve always used milk in meat loaf – does something wonderful to the blending of flavors. Thanks – I was just cruising the kitchen – we have leftover roasted turkey but might make the meatballs as an appetizer? I make myself laugh – gluttony is an ugly sin.

186

Patty Paulsen On Thursday, March 26 at 10:37 am

This recipe does not sound Weight Watcher friendly…and I don’t care. Now if only I could figure out a way to make these NOT land on my thighs…

187

Jillian On Thursday, March 26 at 10:41 am

That’s funny. I was just looking for a good comfort food recipe for dinner tonight (these last couple weeks have not been good) and I came here first, figuring if anyone knows how to make great comfort food its The Lady of the Ranch. And lo and behold, meatballs. Definitely making these tonight although I’ve not decided whether I’ll have mashed potatoes or noodles to accompany them. Desicions desicions….

OH, THANK YOU! I love meatballs and these look fantastic on this cold, rainy day! And I can’t stop staring at the picture because he’s so darn cute, even with that arm coming out of his ear – of course, my two 5yos are really into aliens, so I’m a bit distorted these days

190

Ellen On Thursday, March 26 at 10:47 am

one of my favorite things…..for some reason my hubby isn’t crazy over meatballs. Maybe this recipe will change his mind…

The oats give it an interesting twist. And fiber. Lots of fiber. Must give it a try…

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melvadear On Thursday, March 26 at 10:49 am

I use “onion powder” since my kids hate chunks of onion.
And I add 1 egg to keep the meatballs from falling apart from the dry oats. Variation: 1/2 crushed salt crackers to 1/2 rolled oats.

I too use brown sugar in the sauce, along with 1 can tomato soup. TIP* fresh parsley is so pretty as a garnish on the red sauce

193

onepianomom On Thursday, March 26 at 10:53 am

Those looks great. I think they will be dinner this weekend.
Comfort food and cold weather go hand in hand. Of course, really, any kind of food goes with nursing. Except sushi, I did miss sushi while nursing.

Teresa in MI On Thursday, March 26 at 11:02 am

Just had a chance to look at the goat cheese. My daughter’s name is Helena. Anyway….I’ve bought Watkins black pepper before-loved it-much more than the stuff in the red can

198

Stephanie On Thursday, March 26 at 11:02 am

Alfie? Something’s not right about revealing that tidbit of information… I think that takes “knowing where your food comes from” a bit too far.

199

Teresa in MI On Thursday, March 26 at 11:03 am

Oops must also try the meatball recipe. We are currently eating homegrown too-Gracie. Had a hard time getting used to that. It’s better not to name them

200

Carmen On Thursday, March 26 at 11:04 am

His name was Alfie.

His name was Alfie.

His. Name. Was. Alfie.

HIS NAME WAS ALFIE?!?!

Now, I’m not a sheltered person. I eat meat, I know where it came from and how it got there. I know cheese and yogurt and wine are living things. But, please, P-dubb, those four little words may be more than my heart can stand.